Digital_Thor
Senior Member
I don't think you would ever find any competent sound engineers who would say ignore the room and just focus on DSP and the speakers. I am not saying anyone here is giving that type of advice, but I can't for the life of me imagine why if somebody was in a permanent space they would not really look into the room effects first, solve those as much as possible/viable and then move on from there.
I guess where a possible divide might occur is whether or not DSP alone can adequately mitigate room issues, or whether physical mitigation techniques and or combined with DSP is the better approach. Ultimately it would come down to resources and time as I do know that properly treating a room requires time and money so not always the most practical/viable route.
The trick is not to think that you can solve any issue with ONE specific approach - you rarely can. But - use whatever means you can, at the right place and in the right amount - that will most certainly work.
So - a 3D-sound problem needs to be solved with a 3D solution. A DSP only works in 1D. That is why multiple subs works.... different placements, different levels, delay and EQ.
But surely do all you can in the room, before going for DSP and subwoofers. But but.... building a good room is expensive and difficult..... subs are much more easy and will always bring benefits and good results - in all rooms.
Most DSP's are tranparent enough for subwoofers and you wont hear the hiss from the DSP at low frequencies.